Hi All. Thanks for taking time to read this blog which is so close to my heart. I’m dedicating this blog to my amazing grandparents
(Ramachandra Aradhya & Sharadhamma).
I never thought I would be writing another pregnancy blog, because I didn’t
think I would have another child of my own. Having said that I always knew I
wanted more kids in life. I used to get so excited when I met moms who had more kids. I always knew I wanted to get there one day. Before that, I have to
plan baby number 2 :)One day I spoke to Sarpa (hubby)
about the same because I was so damn excited. You know how guys are! He said 3
are going to be too much. I don’t think we’ll be able to manage in terms of
finance & also it’s going to be too much toll on us as well. I said nothing
but okay.
One day, 3rd May (2020) after tons of healthy debate & discussion, we thought let’s do it! On this day Sarpa spoke to me
on considering Baby 2! I was shocked because I thought he’ll not make his mind
anytime sooner. I didn’t see this coming. Also I had started focusing more on
getting back to shape & things like that. Of course I’m a woman (already a
mother) & having babies is probably the most exciting thing for me. Yes, I
said yes! :)
It hit me later that having a second child is a lot of compromising in
different aspect. Yeah, that’s right. I just couldn’t
convince myself to love another baby as much as I loved Soorya (my first baby).
I feel having a second child takes a lot of guts & courage. Most may not think or talk this way, but I do.
Here when I say
that, I’m keeping Soorya (my world, my son) in mind. I’m not pregnant yet,
still I feel this way. I kept answering questions in my mind. Will I love
Soorya the same way after I have my next child? Am I going to be able to spend
time like this later as well? Am I going to be the same mother to him?
I’ll tell you what; I always told Sarpa that I loved him the most. Guess what,
it changed big time after Soorya’s arrival. Shamelessly I can say I love my
offspring more than anything in this world. I don’t want to say that again with
Soorya because I don’t want the same thing to happen again. I already know I
love the baby 2 so much.
If it’s a boy, I’m more curious
about the looks. I want to see, if he looks like Soorya? Also I don’t have to
worry about wardrobe shopping for him, because he can borrow his brother’s (I’m
crying while I write this sentence) clothes. I can relive every moment I had
with Soorya with this lil man.
If it’s a girl (Sarpa wants) I’m
sure everything is going to be new. I always feel girls are much faster in
achieving milestones so I’m excited for that. Also the most exciting part will
be shopping for my girlfriend (for life). Dressing up my missy, getting them
captured will be the highlight of my life.
Well, I’m hoping for a boy genuinely because we have other
plans which I won’t be discussing right now! Actually I’m okay with any! Ha-ha.
Also hoping for a healthy baby! You’ve no idea how excited I am!
On June 30, I don’t know why but I was so sure I would be pregnant &
took up pregnancy test in the morning around 7ish, guess what I was pregnant, 5
weeks. I wasn’t shocked or anything. Instead I was very happy. Also I didn’t
cry this time! I didn’t tell the boys right away, instead I thought of taking
them out in the evening and letting them know! As usual, I couldn’t hold this
up for such a long time & hence made this board for my husband & told
him. He kept laughing the whole time, I’ve no idea why.
This event in our lives happened during this Aashada Maasa (auspicious time)
& I can’t be happier! Seeking blessing from Chamundeshwari♥
looking at the timing, I think it’s a girl but I need a boy. I know I’m crazy.
But Sarpa has a strong feeling of having a baby girl this time. Let’s see.
Looks like, I’ll be going to the doctor’s once I’m 8 weeks.
Before I start explaining things I went through each week, this pregnancy
experience is so different from my old one, also comparing
pregnancies is no good thing.
5-8 Weeks -
I
just wanted to sleep the whole day! I felt like vomiting so many times but
nothing actually came out. I started to get tired so fast because I have Soorya
(toddler) I guess. I had food aversions (like a lot). I was so damn hungry all
the time, this thing was so surprising. These 3 weeks I ate a lot & yet I
was hungry soon.
I wasn’t able to stand few aromas. Examples - Sarpa (lol, true), Soorya at
times, trash bin, bathroom, refrigerator & what not. I couldn’t stare at my
refrigerator for more than 5 seconds. I couldn’t watch food blogger posts on my
IG. At last I couldn’t stay vegan as I have neither interest nor time to prep meal for 3 people.
These 3 weeks were a lot of I couldn’t do that, do this. Hope things get better
in the coming weeks. Also I couldn’t take Zumba for my clients. Usually I do 3
classes a week but I could only do 1 class.
8-10 Weeks -
on the 22nd of July I had my first doctor’s appointment & the
first sonogram. I was very excited & was hoping for things to be okay in
terms of baby’s growth & health. Lol, I have feeling that I am carrying
twins because of the symptoms I’m having.
I saw my babe for the first time ever. Tiny little bean in my tummy. Babe
looked great & the heart rate sounded great told the doc. I was very happy.
Daddy & the big brother saw the babe on a video call & they were very
happy. I clarified all the doubts I had. Babe wasn’t changing positions &
doc couldn’t get the reading that she wanted & hence asked me to come again
for another sonogram. Happy me! Also another thing I learnt was not to compare
pregnancies.
Another important thing doc discussed with me was about the progesterone shots. Since I had my
first baby preterm, it’s most likely to have future kids the same way. So they
offer these shots called Makena
which will be given one every week starting from you’re 16th week to
36th week. This shot will help you keep the baby safe in you’re
tummy for longer.
After hearing this, I just couldn’t convince myself to say yes for different
reasons. When I read about the after effects, I got to know there could be
soreness, swelling, pain, nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions. Not that I am
going to have all of these. But even if I get one, we are in a place with no
help. I have a toddler to take care. My husband works full time. I don’t know
how its going to be with the prescription & if my insurance doesn’t cover
it. Also I’m a huge believer in positivity. Also to me positivity can change
anything in this world for good & also had experienced how it can help
things get better in life. A good example was my previous pregnancy. I decided
not to go for it & left the rest to god.
A week later at my Doc visit, she calculated my due as March 6, 2021. In this sonogram my babe
moved a lot & the Doc was able to get whatever she wanted. Also the babe
was doing great said the doc. As discussed I said no to Makena shots & the
doc said it was okay in my case not to have it because I had delivered Soorya at almost 36 weeks.
After 9 weeks I started to feel much better when sickness is
concerned. I’m much more active. I’m craving a lot sweet. Like cake
& pastries. Also eating quite a lot has come to a control. I don’t
overstuff myself but I’m hungry fast. If I don’t eat it’ll hit my head & I
have that sickness. That’s the worst part.Main thing is that I’ve started to show up now.
Also I’m always tired. Given a chance after finishing my chores, I just want to
sleep. Another Creepy thing is my really bad ‘Bad breath’. Also Peeing literally
in gallons and nonstop! Lol
12 week check-up - I was hoping to see the baby in the
ultrasound. But the nurse told me there was no ultrasound instead we would listen
to the heartbeat. I heard it & it felt so good. She said it was 154. Also I
had my bloodwork on the same day. I got my innatal test to see if everything is
okay with the baby. This test also help doctors identify the gender, I’ve no
idea how. So we’ll know the gender soon. My friend Sheetal is throwing a gender
reveal surprise for us & I can’t wait. After 12 weeks, I started to feel much
better when sickness & tiredness is concerned. I feel pretty much like an
old Kavya, very energetic.
On 25th August, nurse called me with
the results & she said everything was fine. Also they know the gender. OMG.
I directed my friend Sheetal to call
the hospital right away & know the gender. Lol, now she knows what I’m
having.
On the 7th of September (I had lost my
grandma on this day a year ago) my friend decides to reveal our baby’s gender
to us. She created such an amazing gender reveal for us. I just can’t thank her
enough. As always I was hoping for a boy & the boys wanted a girl. Yes, I
lost big time & my boys won. “IT’S A
GIRL”! I can’t believe I’m carrying my girlfriend ‘Jaanki’ in my tummy. “Devi”
is what I’m going to be calling her.
Soorya used to say he wanted a baby brother until I was 10 weeks & suddenly
he changed his mind, I think he knew it was going to be a little sister. They
say ‘Children are God’ for a reason.
Second trimester
14 -19 Weeks -
I have started to get my energy back! As always, I’m eating everything.
Pani puri has been my favorite now. I’m just thinking about food all the time.
Also I’m staying active most part of the day. I’m sleeping well in the night
but waking up for short intervals like 10 min for 1-2 times. Also peeing a lot
like any other pregnant women. Devi is very active throughout the day &
even at night sometimes, I felt the very first movements of her during my 17th
week. She’s been an active baby. Also I resumed my Zumba as I was back to form. I also started to work at TCP around this time. I chose to work over the
weekends for a long shift.
20 Week Scan
-
This ultrasound was something I was waiting for the longest time. The
last time I saw Devi was at 8 weeks & these 12 weeks have been a long wait.
Anyway I decided to take Soorya with me for the ultrasound to create memories
for our future. He kind of got scared when we entered the dark room but he was
fine after 5 minutes. Later the nurse started to show me Devi & she was
very active. She was upside down like a monkey! She was using her hands a lot
throughout the session. Also was trying to stretch her legs & kick me. I
actually felt the kick while I was watching her do it. That was amazing because
now I kind of know what it looks like when she kicks.
Her heart rate sounded great. 143!😍 She weighed
around 13 oz. she looked exactly the way Soorya looked at 20 weeks scan.
Also Nurse confirmed that it’s a girl & she showed me there was clearly no
penis lol! So now its confirmed 100% that I’m having the bestie for my life,
Jaanki!
I also started getting back pain around 20 weeks, I started to use pregnancy
support belt for supporting my back. It has been a blessing ever since then. The
belt has helped me so much & holds my back like crazy.
One morning, 28th October; I didn’t feel Devi’s movements for the longest time
& I freaked out. Started googling things & decided to call the doc if this
continued. Finally my missy was like, mom I decided to sleep lil longer today
& here you go KICK! I almost
felt like I got my life back
20-24 Weeks
-
These four weeks was extremely smooth for me. I was able to
eat both spicy & sweet. Devi’s movements have become intense. She’s been a
very active. Another funny thing is I don’t have heartburn yet. I keep telling
Sarpa that this little girl will be bald when she comes out.
I have started to show up a lot. People recognize me as pregnant. It makes me
happy when someone asks me what I’m having or when I’m due.
24-28 Weeks
-
This phase was when I started to experience heartburn.
Again, it wasn’t much.
Around 26 weeks, I had to test for gestational diabetes & luckily that came
out normal. So happy! Again when it comes to eating, I’m eating so much. During
this time, my parents sent a parcel full of my favorite food. So I’m feeling
home & constantly eating.
Devi has favorite places already in the house. She moves a lot when I sit on
the couch especially. She’s been very active & moving a lot. Doc
says that’s always a good sign.
28-32 Weeks
-
Finally its 3rd trimester. My 28 week's visit was
great. Baby’s heart rate was 159. Doc told she’s doing great. Coming to my
weight, till now I’ve gained around 16 pounds. From my last visit to this one,
I’d gained 3 pounds. Again Doc told I was doing well. Nevertheless I have a
long way to reduce my weight & to get fit but right now I’m enjoying my
pregnancy eating whatever I want. Also my Doc mentioned to start taking iron supplement.
Her movements are great. She’s active almost all the time. I feel she does
flipping & gymnastics at times. I get tired easily. Taking stairs leave my heart rate high. I would need a
minute or two to get back. Not able to squat & get up without support.
Using my knees all the time when I have to sit or squat. I feel like a grandma
sometime.
Talking about my sleep, once or twice in a week I’m awake for the longest
duration during night. It’s mostly like I sleep & wake up in the midnight
& don’t go back to sleep again soon. It isn’t much, but I’m sure it has
just started.
Hormones have started to play their game. I get irritated for small things,
especially with Soorya. It’s not doing any good for any of us. The toughest
time I’ve ever had with Soorya is this.
Devi, my lil girl is getting bigger & I’m sure she must be feeling congested
inside. I feel a vibration, sudden flips, kicks & movements at its best.
During 31 weeks, I started experiencing leaky boobs. When I checked with my Doc
they said it’s totally normal & my body was getting prepared to breastfeed
the baby once she’s out.
Constipation was never a thing for me this pregnancy but one day it just got worse & I developed Hemorrhoids which was so painful.
31 Weeks Doc’s Appointment -
Now I started seeing doc every 3 weeks. This visit was good.
Had to get my blood work done for checking my thyroid levels and the result
came great. Nurse told Devi’s heart rate sounded good as well. There was no
increase in my weight this time.
My next visit will have an ultrasound. Doc wanted to double check on Devi’s
growth.
32-36 Weeks
-
Talking about eating, it has come to a great control at this point of time.
I’m not overeating. Not getting hungry as fast as it used to be all these days.
Tiredness is still the same. I’m pushing myself to stay active as much as I
can. Also I just stopped taking Zumba sessions as I was getting tired, my pace
was getting low, and I was getting heavier & so many other reasons.
I’m thirsty all the time, especially during night & midnight. Waking up
during the nights hasn’t really gone bad (2-3 days in a week, I’m awake for 1-2
hours). I am able to eat whatever I like. At the same time, I’m so done with
cooking.
Constipation during these 4 weeks has come to great control. My body has
started to itch for some strange reason. My nipple, boob, sometime thighs &
upper back too. It could be because of winter. Talking about winter, I’m not
able to stand cold for a longer time.
Now, when I think of my Devi I get so emotional. Especially when I think of my
delivery, holding her in my arms make me go emotional. I can’t believe how much
I love her already. We as family started to prepare ourselves to welcome her,
stocking up things for Devi, getting all the baby gear ready, assembling crib
(most exciting thing for me).
34 Weeks
Scan -
As discussed
earlier, I did my 34 weeks ultrasound. The heart rate sounded perfect said the
sonographer. It was 136. As always, my missy was active & kicked me so many
times during the session. The sonographer took the measurements & said they
all looked good. In fact she said Devi
measured perfect for 34 weeks. So that made me happy. Now I’m looking forward
for my 34 week Doc appointment which is tomorrow (26 January, 2021)
34 & 35
Doctor’s Appointment -
Both these appointments were very similar. Doctor measured my bump.
Checked the baby’s & my heart rate! Devi sounded 140 & 156.
Everything looked great. I am going to have weekly appointment going forward
until little Devi is out. At 35, they did my group b strep test. Also gave more
information regarding the hospital, COVID test (which I should be doing in the
beginning of my 38 weeks, hoping I reach) & delivery. Doc at 35 weeks did
Cervix check (normally done at 36 week, did it because of my history of preterm
labor) She said the baby was head down (great sign) & I wasn’t dilated
(another great sign).
36 – 38
Weeks -
I feel
better travelling at this point of time. Lots of baby movements, I feel
pressure & leak my pee when she push’s downwards. At night she gets very
active & my sides kind of hurt. When I was 36 weeks, 2 days I kind of had a
vaginal discharge which looked more like mucus plug. The quantity wasn’t great.
Also when I turned 37 weeks, I felt my bump had moved downwards.
36 Doctor’s Appointment -
This visit
was okay. Babe’s heart rate was 130. I had gained 1 pound more. Doctor also
told me I might go into labor within 2 weeks. When he measured my bump, I
measured less. She said the baby might have slide down. When she did my cervix,
I had started to thin down (effaced) which also means I am nearing my labor but
I hadn’t dilated yet.
She asked me to do my COVID test when I’m 37 weeks just in case if I go into
labor.
I was positive with my Group B strep, which means they’ll put me on antibiotics
(penicillin) during labor just to make sure baby is safe from the bacteria.
37 Doctor’s Appointment -
Officially I
was full term. This means the world to me & Sarpa. Baby’s heart rate was
155. I was 50% effaced, 1 cm dilated. My COVID test was negative, so if I don’t
go into labor in 2 weeks I’ll have to get my COVID test again. If at all I go past
my due date (which is very uncertain) they might have to induce my labor.
Honestly I want everything to be as natural as possible, hoping for the best.
This Doctor & the visit were positive & I felt so good.
38 Doctor’s
Appointment -
This visit
was great. 140 was the heart rate of the baby. Close to 2cm dilated. The
previous day before the visit, I felt less baby movement & when I said the
same to the Doc, he decided to monitor the baby for some time. Later they told
me she was doing fantastic.
39 Doctor’s
Appointment -
I was scheduled to have my appointment on 1st
march at 9.15am. Guess what I went to the hospital triage instead of my doc’s
office because I was in labor.
Birth
Story/Labor
on 28th February night,
after 10 o clock I kind of started sensing that I might be getting in to labor
because I started getting back ache. Since I had also gone through this
before, I was sure.In fact we went to bed & Soorya ended
up sleeping with us since we had disturbed his nap routine that day & I didn’t
want to be hard on him that day because of what I was going through. Later I
felt hungry for the first time my whole pregnancy in the midnight & went to
have food which was in the fridge. Rice, rasam, fried rice & mushroom
curry is what I had & it was yum! Lol Later I felt too heavy to eat
desert lol
After 12am, March 1st I started having
irregular contractions. Texted my friend Sheetal (my savior) about the same
& asked her to be prepared. Also had told Soorya that I’ll make poha
the next morning for breakfast, so made that before 1am as I had kind of
sniffed the contractions would pick up that night.
Later I put all Soorya’s snacks in one
place to make things easy for Sheetal and Soorya
Around 1, I decided to catch up with some
sleep. All these while, I had let the boys sleep. At 4 am I got up & knew I
was in labor. Contractions had kicked in completely.
At 4.03 am, I called Sheetal! She knew it & she came in. I called my gynecologist, doctor (Michael Kusic) asked me to go the hospital & he
would meet me there. We initially thought to take Soorya & Sheetal along
with us to the hospital. Because Soorya literally got up & got ready with
us. He also started mimicking me while having contractions lol. Later the plan
changed, he got excited to see Sheetal & carried on with stuffs with her.
They went to the basement & started reading books while we sneaked out. I
felt bad, I couldn’t say bye to him while going to the hospital. But everything
happens for a reason. I don’t know how he would’ve reacted to see both of us
go.
We got into the car & I was in pain totally. It was 25 min drive to the
hospital. Also I felt like peeing in the middle of the road and Sarpa had to pull over lol. Finally we reached the hospital at 5.25am. Finished all
the procedure & went into the triage. I was 4.5 – 5cm dilated. Moment nurse
said that, I was like give me the epidural because I’m almost there. Waited
there for an hour & then they moved us to delivery room, it was around 6.30am.
So we knew it was happening for real. This time, I had intense contraction
compared to what I had with Soorya. Lots of back ache.
This time it took forever to get an epidural, the anesthesiologist was busy
serving other patients & came around 8.30am. Again by this time, my
contraction was only getting stronger. Sarpa was rubbing my back so hard while
I was getting them. That really helped me but he was so tired. Also Epidural
took some time to kick in. This time epidural didn’t help me much. The intensity
got lower but never made my lower body numb which let me enjoy.
All this while I was feeling like going to the bathroom so many times. Doc
(Michelle Stas) asked me not to as it could break my water. So no pushing hard in the toilet
& also my nurse told me it’s not the poop, but it’s the baby which is
creating that urge to use the bathroom.
Around 9.15am my gut feeling said, it’s time to meet the baby. I asked nurse to
call the doc as I was feeling the baby so much down. When the Doc came in &
checked I was dilated 10cm, she felt the baby’s head & was ready to push.
She broke my water & asked me to push. This time around, I was a little
nervous. There was a clear glass right on top of me which clearly helped me see
my vagina while I push LOL. I started to push & 5 minutes later, at 9.22am
our little Jaanki was out to say hi to this world. She weighed 7lbs 6oz (3.3
kg). All we had was tears. Finally the time had come to hold her & cuddle.
It took a while for the doc to clean up things for me & also to stitch the
tear I had. Later they moved us to the ward where I enjoyed & had amazing
moments with our little beautiful baby which I’m going to cherish forever.
All I can say right now is thanks to god for making me a mother the second time
with no complications. I’m truly grateful for experiencing it yet again in my
life.
Note to my
husband-
I can’t thank you enough for marrying me, for taking care of me so well since
2012, for making most of my dreams come true, for putting me as the priority,
for helping me when I was pregnant, for being there during my labor both the
times (I treasure these moments for life), for being such amazing father to the
kids & what not. I owe you so much & I don’t think this life’s enough
for me to do that. Even though when my parents behaved so useless, you never
left my side & always made sure that you got not only my back but also
Soorya’s. I’m beyond grateful & thankful for having you in my life, also
deciding to get married to you. I really hope & wish Soorya picks up things
from you to be a great human being & an amazing family man, also hope
Jaanki & baby Boo finds a man like you in their life too. We love you so much daddy.
-KS
